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Recognizing the Stages of Heat Illness

Heat illness comes in different stages, with heat stroke being the most severe and dangerous of them all. A Baylor College of Medicine expert provides information on how to recognize the progression of heat illness to keep you safe while enjoying outdoor activities during the hot summer months. “Heat illness tends to happen when the […]
The post Recognizing the Stages of Heat Illness first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 years ago

June 21, 2023

Forward Times Staff

“Heat illness tends to happen when the body is unable to regulate its temperature due to overexertion or extended periods of time in high temperatures,” said Dr. Maria Carmenza Mejia, associate professor of family and community medicine at Baylor. “Conditions can range from mild discomfort to life threatening.”

Heat cramps are the initial sign of heat illness. Cramps and spasms will occur due to dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance, and if not attended to, can progress to heat exhaustion. During heat exhaustion, a person will experience fever, heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, or nausea.

At this stage, it is also possible for people to experience heat syncope – a fainting or dizziness episode triggered by a decreased blood flow to the brain due to standing for long periods in high heat or quickly rising from the sitting or lying position in a hot environment. Without care, heat exhaustion progresses to heat stroke.

Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s temperature rises rapidly above 104°F and the body can no longer control its temperature and is unable to cool down. In serious cases, heat stroke can lead to seizures or loss of consciousness. Heatstroke requires emergency treatment. Untreated heatstroke can quickly damage your brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles.

Fortunately, once the symptoms of heat illness are recognized, there are simple tactics to prevent it from advancing. When heat cramps begin to set in, Mejia says to stop any physical activity and move to a cool place inside and air-conditioned, if possible. Fan the skin to cool it down and begin to hydrate. If you suspect someone is experiencing heat exhaustion, move them to a cool place and try to bring the body temperature down. If the person cannot keep fluids down or if you believe the person is experiencing a heat stroke, call emergency medical services immediately. While waiting for paramedics to arrive, try to place ice packs in the arm pit, groin, neck, and back areas.

If planning to spend excess time in the heat, Mejia encourages people to be proactive in combatting heat illness:

Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing.
Drink lots of water, remembering that it is possible to be dehydrated even if you are not thirsty.
In addition to water, our body needs electrolytes. Choose an electrolyte drink or solution that’s low in sugar like sports drinks or powder-based electrolyte additives.
Try to plan your activities during the morning and evening when temperatures are cooler.
Take breaks every 15 to 20 minutes, away from the sun or heat.
Wear sunscreen because sunburned skin can impair the body’s ability to cool itself.
If you are working outside in the heat, use the buddy system in case you encounter heat illness.

“Children, elderly individuals and those with chronic conditions that hinder the body’s ability to cool itself are at a higher risk of heat illness,” Mejia said. “Children spending lots of time in the sun also may experience heat rash, which happens when sweat ducts get clogged and small bumps or blisters form. Treat this by keeping the affected area dry, cool, and undisturbed. If you are 65 years of age or older, have a friend or relative call to check on you twice a day during a heat wave.”

In addition to individual preventative measures, Mejia encourages communities to provide safe environments for people to enjoy outdoor activities during the summer months. Parks and outdoor spaces with lots of shaded areas minimize the amount of time spent in direct heat and cooling centers assist families without access to consistent air conditioning. Mejia also encourages people to be aware of communal air monitoring systems that provide reports on air quality, pollution, and ozone levels as they can provide information for people with respiratory issues.

“Access to these kinds of environments and resources can reduce the amount of heat related illnesses, so it’s important for people to be aware of these things to stay safe and healthy in hotter months,” Mejia said.

The post Recognizing the Stages of Heat Illness appeared first on Forward Times.

The post Recognizing the Stages of Heat Illness first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Forward Times Staff

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Target Takes a Hit: $12.4 Billion Wiped Out as Boycotts Grow

Target Corporation’s stock plummeted by approximately $27.27 per share by the end of February, erasing about $12.4 billion in market value. The drop came on February 28, the designated economic blackout day, and coincided with mounting backlash over the retailer’s decision to abandon its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments. The National Newspaper Publishers Association […]

Published

4 days ago

March 2, 2025

Stacy Brown

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) has taken action through its Public Education and Selective Buying Campaign. NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. said, “Black consumers helped build Target into a retail giant, and now they are making their voices heard. If corporations believe they can roll back diversity commitments without consequence, they are mistaken.”

Reverend Jamal Bryant, pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia, has led calls for a “40-Day Target Fast,” urging Black consumers to withhold their spending at the retailer. “Black people spend $12 million a day at Target,” Bryant said. “If we withhold our dollars, we can make a statement that cannot be ignored.”

The NAACP also issued a Black Consumer Advisory in response to Target’s DEI rollback, warning Black consumers about corporate retreat from diversity initiatives. The advisory urges them to support businesses that remain committed to investing in Black communities.

Target is also facing legal battles. Shareholders have filed lawsuits challenging the company’s DEI policies, arguing that the commitments hurt financial performance. Meanwhile, conservative groups have sued over Target’s diversity efforts, claiming they discriminated against white employees and other groups.

“Consumers have the power to demand change, and Target is learning that lesson the hard way,” Chavis said.

Stacy Brown

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BREAKING Groundbreaking Singer Angie Stone Dies in Car Accident at 63

By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia The music and entertainment world reacted in shock and sorrow after the tragic death of Angie Stone, the pioneering singer-songwriter and hip-hop trailblazer who was killed in a car accident early Saturday morning in Montgomery, Alabama. She was 63. Stone’s publicist, Deborah R. Champagne, confirmed the […]

Published

5 days ago

March 1, 2025

Stacy Brown

By Stacy M. Brown

BlackPressUSA Senior National Correspondent

@StacyBrownMedia

The music and entertainment world reacted in shock and sorrow after the tragic death of Angie Stone, the pioneering singer-songwriter and hip-hop trailblazer who was killed in a car accident early Saturday morning in Montgomery, Alabama. She was 63.

Stone’s publicist, Deborah R. Champagne, confirmed the devastating news, stating that her family is heartbroken. “A number of her loved ones had just spoken to her last night,” Champagne told TMZ.

Born Angela Brown, Stone first rose to prominence as a member of The Sequence, hip-hop’s first all-female rap group. Their 1979 hit Funk You Up became one of the earliest rap records to break into the mainstream, later sampled in Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk and Dr. Dre’s Keep Their Heads Ringin’. After her years with The Sequence, Stone launched a solo career in the late 1990s, earning Grammy nominations and releasing celebrated R&B hits like Brotha, No More Rain, and Wish I Didn’t Miss You.

Stone’s career spanned decades, seamlessly blending hip-hop, soul, and R&B. Her debut solo album, Black Diamond, achieved gold status. She earned multiple Grammy nominations, including Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for U-Haul and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Joe for More Than a Woman and with Betty Wright for Baby.

Several of Stone’s peers offered tributes following the devastating news.

Chuck D, the legendary Public Enemy frontman and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, called Stone a foundational figure. “Angie Stone [was] a powerful pioneer whenever I thought of her,” he told Black Press USA. “A foundation of modern soul and hip-hop and women empowerment that she’s still uncredited for. A terrible loss.”

Rocky Bucano, executive director of the Hip Hop Museum, described Stone as a groundbreaking force. “As a member of The Sequence, Angie B helped pave the way for generations of women in hip-hop,” Bucano said in an email to Black Press USA. “Her impact on hip-hop culture is immeasurable, and her presence will be deeply missed. Rest in power, Angie Stone. Your voice and influence will never fade.”

DJ Ralph McDaniels also told Black Press USA that Stone’s artistry mainly was unmatched. “Peaceful journey to our sister Angie Stone,” he said. “Her voice was unique and direct from hip-hop’s female group Sequence to her solo soul songs.”

Dr. Mario Dickens of Mario Dickens Ministries also offered condolences. “We are saddened to hear of the passing of one of this era’s greatest memorable voices,” he said. “We pray for her loved ones and fans,” said Dickens, who extended his company’s memorial printing services to Stone’s family at no cost.

Stacy Brown

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NAACP Legend and Freedom Fighter Hazel Dukes Passes

“She was a warrior in the truest sense of the word and activist extraordinaire.” Those words are from Reverend Al Sharpton who is celebrating the life and activism of the iconic Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes, civil rights activist and leader within the ranks of the New York and National Board of the NAACP. Dukes 92 […]

Published

5 days ago

March 1, 2025

Oakland Post

Just two weeks ago, Dukes was wheelchair bound and present to perform her duty as NAACP Election Supervisory Chair certifying the elections of the rights groups’ board members.

Dr. Ben Chavis, elected in 1993, was the 7th Executive Director and CEO of the NAACP and spoke on the life of Dukes saying, “The transformative leadership legacy of freedom fighter Hazel Dukes will now be enshrined with the greatest honor and respect as a leader of the NAACP in America and throughout the world.”

This morning the Chair of the Board of the NAACP Leon W. Russell told Black Press USA that Dr. Dukes led the NAACP New York Conference for 50 years acknowledging, “Her work has helped ensure that the 116-year-old NAACP could remain relevant and continue its work throughout the years. She has been consistent in her work and her support as a member and a leader.”

Sharpton says she has known her for almost 50 years since he was a teen. “There never was an issue that she was not out front. We’ve gone to jail together and the White House together.”

Sharpton expects to offer comments at Duke’s funeral service. He recalls she was “authentic, committed, and concerned,” The rights leader and TV host also says, “We will never have another Hazel Dukes. But thank God we had this one.”

The NAACP Board was notified of the passing of Dr. Dukes through the following correspondence this morning:

Passing of a Loved One. To God Be The Glory!

Colleagues, it is with a heavy heart and a profound sense of sadness that I inform you of that our sister, Momma Dukes, went to be with the ancestors at 6:20 AM today. Her transition was officially recorded and announced at 6:38 AM. Please lift her up in prayer and continue to pray for her son Ronald and all of her extended family.

It is always hard to send a message like this but as Hazel would say, she is in God’s hands now.

Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes, President of the NAACP New York State Conference and Member of the NAACP National Board of Directors was bold and courageous. She was a true warrior for civil rights and social justice. Her voice and her influence at our table will be missed, but we will all continue to be influenced by that same voice as we continue to fight for that same cause. Hazel was one of the giants on whose shoulders we will continue to stand as we continue to do God’s work here on Earth.

I will keep you informed as arrangements are announced and finalized. Please know that Hazel passed peacefully surrounded by many of the people who loved her and clergy who knew and pastored to her.

May our sister Hazel rest in power.

With a heavy heart.

Leon W. Russell

Chairman

NAACP National Board of Directors